Travel Marketing Partner To Collaborate With Tourism Ministry, FTAN, NTDA, Others On National Tourism Safety, Security Technology Conference

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Travel Marketing Partner (Nigeria) Limited, organisers of the forthcoming National Tourism Safety and Security Technology Conference and Trade Show, has revealed the partnership of the Federal Ministry of Arts Culture Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), and others in staging the first edition of the tourism and security conference.

The conference is scheduled to hold between July 6 and 7, 2026 at the Army Headquarters Command Event Centre, Asokoro, Abuja.

The Chief Executive Officer of Travel Marketing Partner, Mr Shola Ilupeju, a seasoned tourism expert and promoter of trade shows, disclosed with delight this development, as he unveiled the various collaborators for the tourism conference and plans to host a landmark event.

Ilupeju noted that the conference, which is a broad-based event requires the partnership of allied sectors and Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the government, hence array of partners extending support to the event, including the Nigeria Military and other security agencies.

Speaking on the details of the event, Ilupeju said; ‘‘the National Tourism Safety and Security Technology Conference and Exhibition, is an initiative aimed at strengthening safety, security, and resilience within Nigeria’s tourism ecosystem through the deployment of modern technologies, policy dialogue, and stakeholder collaboration.’’

With the theme: Safe and Secure Destination: Key to Sustainable Tourism Development, he said it is designed to achieve the following: Provide a national platform for discussing tourism safety and security challenges; Showcase modern security and safety technologies relevant to tourism destinations; Promote inter-agency collaboration among MDAs, security institutions, and the private sector; and Support government efforts to position Nigeria as a safe and attractive tourism destination.

Beside the conference, and exhibition, the two days gathering will also feature the Safe Destination Award 2026. He noted that the award; ‘‘is designed as a prestigious benchmark for security excellence within the Nigerian tourism landscapе.

“It is a flagship recognition framework established under the National Safe and Secure Travel Experience (NASTREX) initiative. It is designed to evaluate, validate, and celebrate destinations, hospitality hubs, and local jurisdictions within Nigeria that demonstrate exceptional commitment to travellers’ safety and institutional security.

“As Nigeria continues to position itself as a premier African hub for business and cultural toürism, this award serves as a “seal of confidence,” bridging the gap between perceived security risks and the reality of safe, well-managed travel corridors.”

Ilupeju further noted the significance of the award for Nigeria as a destination, stressing; ‘‘The Safe Destination Award is more than a trophy; it is a strategic tool for nation-branding. By highlighting the pockets of excellence across the country-from the serene heights of Obudu to the bustling business district of Lagos and Abuja.

‘‘The award counteracts negative narratives and replaces generalised travel advisories with specific, verified accounts of safety. Empowers local governance, encourages a “race to the top” among state governments to secure their local tourism assets.’’

With endorsement of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), he disclosed that the National Safe and Secure Travel Experience (NASTREX), which also another component of event being promoted by Nigeria Marketing Partner Limited, will be a benchmark for the industry.

‘‘We are pleased to inform you that NTDA has endorsed the National Safe and Secure Travel Experience (NASTREX), an initiative of Travel Marketing Partners Nigeria Limited, which is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of tourists, travellers and tourist facilities,* he said.

“Travel Marketing Partners in partnership with NTDA intends to use this project to effectively deploy the use of technology driven solution through biometrically verifiable identity and other relevant personal information to reduce the risks posed to Tourists and other users.

“It is ‘expected that this project will not only provide a safer experience for tourists and other users but also create jobs within the local economy, boost confidence in tourism businesses and attract investments into the tourism industry, thereby fostering the economic growth of Nigeria.”

While the Director General of NTDA, Dr Olayiwola Awakan, through the Director of Legal Services, Olufunke Soleye, said; “Nigerian Tourism Development Authority believes that the “National Safe and Secure Trave! Experience” would boost safety and security measures and have an invaluable impact on the Nigerian tourism sector, and therefore requests the cooperation of stakeholders to make it successful.”